Why did the Homestead Act require settlers to remain on the land for five
years in order for ownership to be
official?
A. The government needed farmers to start growing crops
due to a food shortage.
B. The government did not want settlers selling the land
for a profit after taking on the land.
C. The government owed the Native Americans a certain
percentage if people didn't stay.
D. The government was in severe debt and needed the loan
payments to pay the debt.